JOHN NOBLE FROM RIPON SENTENCED FOR PLOT TO SEXUALLY ABUSE FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ripon, John Noble, a 36-year-old man with a troubling criminal history, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after planning to sexually abuse a young girl aged just four years old. The incident, which took place in July 2021, revealed a disturbing level of premeditation and malicious intent on Noble's part.

John Peter Noble, a former volunteer with St John’s Ambulance, was found guilty of conspiring to commit sexual offenses against a minor. Prosecutor Kate Bissett detailed how Noble had meticulously crafted instructions on how to lure the young girl into a meeting, including specific guidance on how the child's mother should prepare her and what acts Noble intended to perform. The plans also involved the use of a sex toy, highlighting the depravity of his intentions.

On the day of the planned meeting, May 1, Noble purchased three pouches of food intended for the girl’s baby sister at a Boots store located in Ripon. He also bought lubrication oil, presumably to facilitate his malicious plans. He then proceeded to a designated meeting point across Ripon’s Market Place, seemingly prepared to carry out his sinister scheme. However, the entire plot was foiled when it was revealed that the woman Noble had been communicating with was, in fact, a police officer. The supposed mother and the children he referenced did not exist; they were part of an undercover operation.

Authorities swiftly arrested Noble, who was already serving a suspended prison sentence from 2019 for similar, albeit less severe, offenses. His previous convictions stemmed from interactions with a paedophile hunter, during which he believed he was communicating with a 12-year-old child. Although he had not arranged a meeting at that time, these actions demonstrated a pattern of concerning behavior.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Sean Morris of the Recorder of York emphasized the significant risk Noble posed to children. He stated, “I do regard you as posing a significant risk of causing serious harm to children by future such offences.” The court sentenced Noble to an extended term of 14 years, comprising 10 years in prison followed by four years of extended licence. Additionally, Noble was subjected to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

In court, Noble, who used the online alias “TryingToMoveForward,” pleaded guilty to eight counts of arranging sexual offenses with a child through an adult. He also admitted to breaching a sexual harm prevention order issued in 2019 and violating his suspended sentence. His defense, represented by Abbi Whelan, stated, “He very much wants to change,” noting that Noble had attempted to access sex offender courses while in prison, indicating some level of remorse and desire for rehabilitation.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable children from predatory individuals like John Noble, whose actions have now been curtailed through a significant custodial sentence and strict legal restrictions.